When I begin a project, whether it's hand or machine, knitting or embroidery- the first step of taking the idea to the fabric is in threading the needle. So it is with this blog. Putting the ideas down- sending them out there- That's what this is about. I hope you come visit often.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Cloth to Cloth

I am so excited about this online class I'm taking. It will unfold as we go, but I am approaching this as a chance to focus on an aspect of myself I haven't been in touch with in a while. I have always, it seems, embroidered and made quilts. I dabbled at one point in crazy quilting, which combines both. But this is different. It adds story-telling to the mix. And weaving. And while I am not approaching this as focused as some of my classmates, I know it will change the way I produce my art. At least for now. My challenge will be to take the parts of this that are me, and not copy Jude's work, or the work of my classmates. So much energy in this group- so many talented people.

Here are some photos from my dying session yesterday. I used indigo dye for the first time. Who knew that an indigo dye bath had a 'flower' ( the foam on top of the liquid), that it needs to proof like yeast, and that it is a WONDERFUL acid green color. It's the oxygen in the air that turns it blue. And watching it oxidise was a coool experience.

This is about 2 yards of muslin that I folded and bunched.

This is my attempt at 'shibori'. I wrapped the fabric around a pool-noodle (didn't have a pipe) and secured it with rubberbands, then scrunched it down. I LOVE the water-ripple effect.

Pretty fabrics drying in the sun

I hope to be able to start weaving these and other fabrics together and start embroidering/quilting them together today. Housework? dinner? Pizza and a quick vacuum ought to take care of it!

Thanks Mary for leaving lovely comment on my piece at cloth to cloth. I thought I would come and visit and see what you are doing. I love your shibori and the indigo dye. You will have fun stitching with it. Hugs Natima